Why Do Dogs Lick Your Face When You Cry

Dogs are truly man’s best friend and their unconditional love and loyalty make them the most popular pet in the world. They are known for their playful nature, wagging tails, and wet noses. However, one of the most intriguing things about dogs is their tendency to lick our faces when we cry.

It’s a common sight to see a dog licking its owner’s face when they are upset or crying. But why do dogs do this? Is it just a sign of affection or is there something more to it?

Well, there are several reasons why dogs lick our faces when we cry. Let’s take a closer look at some of these reasons.

1. Dogs Sense Our Emotions

Dogs are highly sensitive animals with an exceptional ability to sense human emotions. When we cry, our bodies release pheromones that signal distress or sadness. These pheromones can be detected by dogs through their sense of smell, and they immediately sense that something is wrong.

In response to this, dogs try to comfort us by licking our faces. This act releases endorphins in both the dog and the person being licked, which helps to relieve stress and promote relaxation.

2. Licking is a Natural Instinct

Licking is a natural instinct for dogs. In fact, they start licking almost everything from birth as a means of exploring their environment and bonding with their littermates.

As they grow older, licking becomes a form of social interaction among dogs. They use it to show affection towards each other and establish dominance.

So when a dog licks your face when you’re upset, it’s not just because they want to comfort you – it’s also because it’s an ingrained behavior that comes naturally to them.

3. It’s a Sign of Submission

Another reason why dogs may lick our faces when we cry is that it’s a sign of submission. Just like how they show submission to their pack leader by licking their face, they may do the same to us when we are upset.

This act of submission is a way for dogs to show us that they respect and care for us. It’s a sign of trust and loyalty, which are two essential traits that make dogs such great companions.

4. They Want to Clean You Up

Dogs are known for their cleanliness, and they may lick our faces when we cry as a way to clean us up. Tears can contain salt and other substances that dogs find appealing. So when they see us crying, they may try to lick away our tears as a way to clean our faces.

5. They Love the Taste of Our Skin

Finally, dogs may lick our faces when we cry simply because they love the taste of our skin. Our skin contains natural oils and sweat that can be enticing to dogs. When we cry, these substances become more concentrated, making them even more appealing to our furry friends.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several reasons why dogs lick our faces when we cry. Whether it’s because they sense our emotions, it’s an ingrained behavior, or they want to show us affection and loyalty – it’s clear that dogs have a special bond with their human companions.

So the next time your dog licks your face when you’re crying, don’t be surprised – embrace it as a sign of their love and devotion to you! And if you’re lucky, they might even make you laugh with their silly antics and funny expressions. After all, laughter is the best medicine!